Gendered Realities
Navigating into a Limited Change: Female Education in Antioquia, Colombia. (1900-1946)
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Laura Montoya
This research examines how the Catholic Church expanded its political influence through control of Colombia's female educational sector in the first half of the 20th century, with a focus on Antioquia. It explores how religious discourse adapted to modern educational needs, in a region deeply tied to religious identity. The analysis is structured into two main sections: the first explores legislative changes and disputes over secularization versus inclusive educational programs, while the second examines the impact of liberal reforms on female education and societal roles in Antioquia. Despite the expansion of educational opportunities, traditional religious discourses persisted in shaping women's roles, illustrating the complex interplay between education, religious authority, and societal change during this transformative period.
Sayyid Qutb’s Prophetic Queen: Queen of Sheba as a Liminal Persona in Qutb’s Socio-Religious Conceptualization
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Sherie Gayle
This research examines Sayyid Qutb's portrayal of the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis) in his commentary Fi Zilal al-Qur'an, focusing on her representation as a liminal figure who challenges traditional gender roles. In contrast to conventional interpretations, which often depict Bilqis as outwitted or disempowered by male figures, Qutb presents her as a leader and prophet-like figure, rejecting the patriarchal framework that diminishes her agency. Using Victor Turner's theory of liminality, this study explores how both Bilqis and Qutb occupy transitional spaces—between incursion and religious reformation. While Bilqis is rarely outwitted in the scriptural texts, much of the interpretive and commentary literature over time has diminished her role, often portraying her as a figure to be dominated by male authority. Qutb's reading stands out precisely because it resists these interpretations and repositions Bilqis as a model of prophetic leadership, reflecting his own socio-political vision for post-colonial Egypt. In doing so, Qutb demonstrates that patriarchal readings of Islam were not inevitable but rather the result of historical choices that privileged male authority over Islam's broader ethical potential. This analysis redefines Bilqis's role, positioning her as a prophetic, liminal figure rather than a passive political queen. By engaging with Qutb's interpretation, this study contributes to contemporary discussions on gender, power, and leadership, offering a nuanced perspective on the role of women in Islamic thought and practice.
Reconfiguring Sacred Space: Gender and Religious Identity Among Muslimat NU in the UK
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Zainun Nur Hisyam Tahrus
This research explores the interplay between gender, religious identity, and the creation of sacred space among members of Muslimat NU in the UK. As a branch of a prominent Muslim women’s organization originating from a majority-Muslim society, Muslimat NU provides a unique perspective on how religious identity is expressed and maintained in a secular, minority context. While studies have examined gender and religion as well as the concept of sacred space, few have explored how these elements intersect, particularly in the lived experiences of Muslim women adapting to new spatial and social environments. To address this gap, this study employs qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews with Muslimat NU members in the UK and participant observation of their activities. By focusing on their religious practices and communal engagement, this research examines how Muslimat NU members navigate secular spaces while maintaining a strong connection to their faith. The findings will contribute to a broader understanding of Muslim women’s agency beyond conventional narratives of oppression or resistance. It will highlight how religious identity is shaped through daily practices, community interactions, and the reconfiguration of sacred space. By examining this case, the study offers new insights into how traditionalist Muslim communities engage with contemporary secular environments, fostering discussions on gender, space, post-secularism.
